Tom Dudzick

Over the Tavern
Called “one of the biggest grass roots successes in American regional theatres” by Chicago critic Chris Jones, "Over the Tavern" is a funny and heartwarming play that deals with a family growing up over the family tavern in 1959 working class America. Four children are caught between the claustrophobic authoritarianism of the Roman Catholic Church and an emotionally abusive father. Only their mother, with her good sense, sanity and wry humor, keeps this family afloat.

At the center of the family is 12-year-old Rudy, a rebel and Ed Sullivan impersonator. Rudy goes knuckle to ruler with his formidable teacher, Sister Clarissa, questioning everything and claiming that God put us on earth to have fun. Only weeks away from his confirmation, Rudy proclaims, “I read where there are over thirteen hundred religions in the world. I’d like to shop around!”

Hedy Weiss of the Chicago Sun-Times called Tavern “utterly charming...a rare moment of paradise.”

King o’ the Moon (Over the Tavern, Part II)
"King o’ the Moon” transports the Pazinskis from the conservative ‘50s to the rebellious ‘60s. The new play has a greater urgency and sharper realism than its predecessor, as the adult Pazinskis tackle grown-up issues like divorce, remarriage, war and draft-evasion."

The Last Mass at St. Casimir's (Over the Tavern, Part III)
In “The Last Mass at St. Casimir's: Over the Tavern, Part III” we are reacquainted with the Pazinski family who has gathered, undaunted by heavy snowfall warnings, for the demolition of their parish church, which has dominated and shaped their lives growing up on Buffalo’s East Side. When the mayor announces a driving ban throughout the city, the Pazinski’s find themselves trapped, forcing them to confront family issues through miraculous and comical mishaps. “The Last Mass at St. Casimir's” is an endearing story about an ordinary family that discovers the gifts of real love and commitment through extraordinary situations.

Greetings!
Tom Dudzick’s 5-character comedy is about a young man who brings home his Jewish atheist fiancé to meet his very Catholic parents on Christmas Eve. With the inevitable family explosion comes an out-of-left-field miracle that propels the family into a wild exploration of love, religion, personal truth and the nature of earthly reality.

Hail Mary!
An irreverent look at religious fundamentalism. This comedy introduces Mary, a plucky novice who bravely does battle with her Mother Superior, a staunch defender of "that old time religion." Mary puts her future as a nun in serious jeopardy when she dares teach the children her personal, unorthodox views of God and his commandments. Her dream of Sisterhood is further threatened with the untimely arrival of a childhood sweetheart who suddenly declares his love. Will Mary give it all up for the love of a man? Or will she listen to the pixiliated priest who mysteriously appears and declares Mary to be the world's next savior?

Don't Talk to the Actors
Meet fledgling playwright Jerry Przpezniak and his betrothed Arlene Wyniarski, a couple of Buffalo greenhorns who are suddenly swept up in the whirlwind of New York's theatre scene when Jerry's play is optioned for Broadway. It's a young playwright's dream, but the characters and dilemmas they encounter in New York are the things nightmares are made of. Premiered at Buffalo's Studio Arena Theatre in 2007, starring Broadway's Lewis J. Stadlen, Richard Kline, Denny Dillon, Peter Stadlen, Dana Acheson and Polly Lee. Click on the title for reviews of this and its West Coast premiere as well.

On the Road with Hank the Horse (A One-Act Comedy)
Hitch a ride with the Lewandowski family as they take a bumpy, harrowing, hilarious and sentimental road trip back to the old neighborhood. 2 Males, One Female, one Male Child. 30 minutes in length, simple set.

A Spider the Size of a Buick (A Bad Play)
A play so bad it was refused admittance in the New York Cringe Festival's Bad Play Competition. Everyone else finds it hilarious. Try it, you'll like it! (20 min., simple set, 3 Men, 2 Women)

"Comedy's Last Supper"
Hilarious fine art print by Tom Dudzick. Measures 34 x 14, printed on 100 lb. coated text, suitable for framing.